ARLINGTON, Va. — It has been about two months since the extended Fairfax Drive on-ramp to Interstate 66 westbound was opened. As somebody who drives from Ballston to Tysons Corner most mornings, this new ramp has improved my commute. My anecdotal evidence suggests that Ballston is less congested due to the extended ramp. I cannot say if I-66 westbound has improved traffic flow though. It would not surprise me if the backup has just been shifted further west by the new lane. I am curious to hear what drivers who get on I-66 westbound before Ballston have to say.

I still would like to see the new lane extended all the way to EXIT 67 (Dulles Airport/TO I-495 NORTH). I believe that would improve traffic flow and not cost that much money or expand the highway’s footprint significantly. Furthermore, I anticipate additional relief to come when the Silver Line Metro opens. How much this will offset the growth of the Ballston to Rosslyn Orange Line corridor remains to be seen. I think the option of the Silver Line is going to make that stretch more appealing to “reverse commuters” headed to Tysons.